The picturesque city of Zürich has a little bit of everything: cool modern hangouts, a historic old town, a buzzing lake-side atmosphere and the peaceful forests and hills on the outskirts. This seamless blending of old and new, and of urban and nature, means that, for a small city, Zürich has a very diverse selection of neighbourhoods to explore and stay in.
This guide provides an overview of the city’s main neighbourhoods and is here to help you decide which spots are perfect for you and your travel style!
“A Neighbourhood Guide to Zurich, Switzerland” was written by me and originally published on Wanderdash (you can follow me there @travelteachread)!
Altstadt – The Heart of the City
The Altstadt (Old Town) is the best place to stay if you want to wake up to views of cute cobbled streets and picturesque historic buildings every morning!
Bagging a hotel in this neighbourhood is also ideal if you’re just on a flying visit to Zürich. All the city’s main highlights will be on your doorstep and an easy walk away. This is perfect if you only have one or two days as you won’t waste any of your precious time travelling in and out of the city centre.
The Altstadt is essentially the historic heart of Zürich, with some sections even dating back to Roman times. While in this district, you’ll want to wander through the photogenic streets of Augustinergasse, Niederdorf and Rennweg. Make sure to also check out the churches of Grossmunster, Fraumunster and St. Peter Kirche, as well as the dreamy viewpoints of Lindenhof and Polyterrasse.
This neighbourhood isn’t only about historic streets and buildings! There are an abundance of restaurants, bars, and cafes to visit and little shops to browse. I recommend window-shopping in Niederdorf and also heading to the restaurant Zeughauskeller to try traditional Swiss cuisine.
Zürich West – The Trendy, Ex-Industrial Neighbourhood
Are you looking for a neighbourhood that’s vibrant, trendy and creative? With something a little different to your usual old-town centre of a European city? Zürich West, also known as the Industry Quarter, might be right up your street.
This spot is an old industrial area that once housed factories, warehouses, and breweries. Now, it has undergone a transformation and has become one of the hippest districts of the city, home to cultural events, boutique shops, chilled-out bars, and market halls.
Here, you can visit many incredible repurposed buildings, including:
- Schiffbau, a music and performing arts centre housed in an old shipbuilding factory
- The Freitag shop which is made entirely out of old shipping containers
- Im Viadukt, a food hall and selection of boutique shops housed in railway arches
- The art museums in the old Löwenbrau brewery.
Another must-visit in Zürich West is Frau Gerolds Garten’s relaxed urban garden and outdoor bar. On summer evenings, the space is jam-packed with locals enjoying an after-work drink in the sunshine. In winter, the garden transforms into a magical winter wonderland full of twinkling lights and warming Swiss fondue.
Seefeld – The Lakeside District
The Seefeld district of Zürich is known for its lakeside charm, luxurious hotels and restaurants. Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Zürich, this neighbourhood combines an up-market and sophisticated urban scene with the scenic tranquillity of lake and mountain views.
When in this area, you’ll want to grab a takeaway coffee from either MAME or Monacle and take it with you for a stroll down the romantic lake promenade. In the evening, head out for an apero (Swiss term for drinks and nibbles before a meal) or dinner right by the water at either Lake Side or Fischerstube.
If you’re visiting Zürich during the summer months, you’ll want to do as the locals do, so make sure to bring your swimsuits! Join the bustling, lively atmosphere as people flock to the grassy area of the lakeside at Zürichhorn.
Everyone has BBQs, brings picnics, hangs out with friends and jumps into the crystal clear lake waters to cool off. If you need to cool down a little more, I suggest heading for a delicious gelato at Gelati am See!
Enge – The Perfect Family-Friendly District
Enge is situated on the western shore of Lake Zürich. Almost directly opposite the Seefeld district, it has a very similar lakeside ambience with plenty of opportunities for swimming and walking by the water.
However, Enge has a quieter and more residential atmosphere than Seefeld, with lots of parks and green spaces. This makes Enge ideal if you’re traveling as a family and looking for a quiet neighbourhood to stay and relax in.
In this district, you can unwind and wander through the peaceful, beautiful gardens at Abortorum, Rieterpark and Belvoirpark, or, if you’re a football fan, head to the FIFA museum.
Visiting Zürich soon? You might also want to read “Zürich, Switzerland: 10 Must-do Experiences from a Local“
Langstrasse – The Nightlife District
Zürich has a more sleepy and reserved feel than many other European cities, but it still has a lively and thriving nightlife if you know where to go. One of the main spots for this is Langstrasse, known as the street that never sleeps.
Once the city’s red light district, it is now Zurich’s nightlife mile, full of bars and trendy clubs. If you’re looking to party, meet new people and find cheap eats, then this is the ideal spot to base yourself.
In addition to the nightlife, Langstrasse is home to a wide range of international cuisine and stores, including Lebanese, Indian, Mexican, and more.
The Uetliberg – Zurich’s Local Mountain
Okay, so this isn’t technically a neighbourhood, but the forest-covered mini-mountain of the Uetliberg is a MUST to explore and even stay during your Zürich trip. I just had to mention it!
The peak of the Uetliberg is easily accessible by a 20-minute train journey from Zürich’s main station. From here, you get the most incredible view over the whole city, the lake, and even as far as the Alps on a clear day.
It’s a popular local recreation spot with picnic and BBQ areas, hiking trails and mountain biking trails.
The Uetliberg is not just a place to explore for the day; you can also stay up here! Uto Kulm Hotel has a restaurant and rooms that boast spectacular views. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want peace, tranquillity, and a little something different from your accommodation in Zurich.